Olivia Newton-John’s ex-husband wants fans to “celebrate the joy” the late actress brought to the world.
Matt Lattanzi and his current wife, Michelle Lattanzi, responded Monday in a joint statement to the news of Newton-John’s death.
“Today we lost one of the world’s greatest Olivia Newton-John. Matt and I are so overwhelmed with the love and gratitude that friends, family and a very loving community of fans, all of whom will miss Olivia’s presence in this world,” wrote Michelle.
“I’ve heard really beautiful stories and memories from people near and far, and honor in each of you where those feelings and memories come from,” she continued.
“Nothing will replace the icon we lost, but her legacy still lives on in our hearts and memories, as well as her contributions to our global culture, her beloved daughter Chloe Lattanzi and her cancer research and wellness center in Melbourne, AU. ”
Michelle concluded the post: “Please honor your grief and then celebrate the joy Olivia’s heart and lifelong achievements brought to our world. Send all kinds of love XOXO 
.”
Newton-John, who became a household name after her turn as Sandy Olsson in ‘Grease’, died Monday at the age of 73 after a 30-year battle with breast cancer.
The “Physical” singer met Matt, now 63, on the set of “Xanadu” in 1980. They dated for four years before saying “I do” in 1984 and welcoming their daughter Chloe in 1986.
After the couple’s divorce in 1995, Matt was married to their former nanny Cindy Jessup from 1997 to 2007. Newton-John meanwhile married John Easterling in 2008.
Easterling, 70, asked for “privacy at this very difficult time” when he announced his wife’s death in a social media post commemorating her “triumphs and hopes”.
The Grammy winner was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and again in 2013 and 2017. She discussed how it had progressed to stage 4 in 2021.